LA Times Reader's Comics Claim Criticized as Flawed

Comparison of social media harms to 1950s comics debate called simplistic and ignoring modern realities

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A letter writer to the Los Angeles Times argued that banning children from social media is an oversimplification, comparing it to the 1950s debate around comic books leading to juvenile delinquency. However, the article's author criticizes this comparison as 'absurdly naive', noting that social media has been exploited to spread harmful ideologies in ways comics never were, and that social media has negatively impacted the comics industry itself through 'cancel culture'.

Why it matters

The debate over children's access to social media is a complex and ongoing issue, with valid concerns on both sides. Oversimplifying the problem by drawing faulty historical parallels can distract from addressing the real harms and challenges posed by social media platforms today.

The details

The article cites the case of psychiatrist Frederic Wertham, who in 1954 published a book claiming comic books led to juvenile delinquency. The author argues this was a 'classic example of putting the cart before the horse', as Wertham had simply observed boys in reform school reading comics, rather than proving a causal link. The author contrasts this with the real-world harms of social media, such as its exploitation by extremist groups, as well as its negative impact on the comics industry through 'cancel culture'.

  • In 1954, psychiatrist Frederic Wertham published 'Seduction of the Innocent'.
  • In recent years, there have been pollings indicating many US residents favor barring children from social media until age 16.

The players

Frederic Wertham

A psychiatrist who in 1954 published a book claiming comic books led to juvenile delinquency, despite lacking scientific evidence.

Stan Lee

The former editor of Marvel Comics, who recounted that Wertham's claims 'impressed the public' despite 'little scientific validity'.

Jessica L. Schleider

A guest contributor to the Los Angeles Times who argued that blaming social media for children's problems is an oversimplification of the issue.

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What they’re saying

“If social platforms are harmful, don't just ban kids. Regulate the harms.”

— Jessica L. Schleider, Guest contributor (Los Angeles Times)

“Wertham 'said things that impressed the public, and it was like shouting fire in a theater, but there was little scientific validity to it. And yet because he had the name 'doctor,' people took what he said seriously, and it started a whole crusade against comics.'”

— Stan Lee, Marvel Comics editor (Unspecified)

The takeaway

The debate over children's access to social media requires nuanced consideration of the real harms and challenges posed by modern digital platforms, rather than simplistic historical comparisons that fail to account for the unique nature of social media and its impacts.